World Cup 2023: All you need to know about England

Few teams come into this tournament with bigger expectations than England after their triumph at Euro 2022.

Dutch tactician Sarina Wiegman has been crucial to the Lionesses' success since her appointment two years ago. 

But several vital players are out through injury, including influential captain Leah Williamson. 

The Lionesses will still be one of the favourites in Australia and New Zealand, though, and should have no trouble progressing from Group D.

England's group stage fixtures and UK kick-off times

England vs Haiti (Saturday, July 22, 10.30am) 

England vs Denmark (Friday, July 28, 9.30am) 

China vs England (Tuesday, August 1, 12pm)

How England qualified for Australia and New Zealand 2023

England produced a scintillating qualification campaign, winning all 10 matches, scoring 80 goals and conceding none. 

They secured their spot with time to spare, finishing eight points ahead of Austria — the next-best team in the group. 

The Lionesses' standout result was a 20-0 victory against Latvia, with Beth Mead, Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo and Ellen White all bagging hat-tricks on their way to a historic win.

Predicted XI

GK: Mary Earps 
RB: Lucy Bronze 
CB: Millie Bright 
CB: Alex Greenwood 
LB: Jess Carter 
CDM: Keira Walsh 
CM: Ella Toone 
CM: Georgia Stanway 
RW: Chloe Kelly 
ST: Alessia Russo 
LW: Lauren Hemp

Star player: Keira Walsh

Midfielder Keira Walsh is arguably the standout player in a star-studded England squad. 

Capable of receiving the ball in tight spaces and wriggling away from pressure to spray passes across the pitch, she sets the tempo for her team.

Walsh also plays an important role defensively, breaking up attacks and keeping key opponents quiet. 

In her Champions League-winning campaign at Barcelona last term, she completed 463 passes with a 92.79% completion rate and regained possession 36 times in the middle third.

One to watch: Ella Toone

Ella Toone played a pivotal role in Manchester United's push for the Women’s Super League title last season, bagging three goals and registering eight assists as the Red Devils fell just short. 

The attacking midfielder, 23, is excellent at finding pockets of space and offers sharp movement to create chaos in and around the opposition box. 

She completed 49 key passes and 52 passes into the penalty area in the WSL.

The boss: Sarina Wiegman

Wiegman took charge of England in September 2021, the first permanent non-British Lionesses manager, and she has proven to be a remarkable appointment. 

In 31 games at the helm, she has won 26, drawn four and lost just once — their last outing against hosts Australia. 

Wiegman, 53, reached the final with the Netherlands in France before losing to the United States. She will be eager to make amends this time.

England's official 23-player World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City).

Defenders: Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal).

Midfielders: Laura Coombs (Manchester City), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona), Katie Zelem (Manchester United).

Forwards: Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Bethany England (Tottenham), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Katie Robinson (Brighton), Alessia Russo (Manchester United).

All information correct as of July 11